Matthew 23:6

Modern

They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,

Traditional

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Literal

And they love the chief place at the suppers, and the first seats in the synagogues,

Latin

Amant autem primos recubitus in cœnis, et primas cathedras in synagogis,

Greek

English

They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,

the chief seats in the synagogue: These were close to the Torah scrolls and faced the congregation.

Theme notes and profiles

3 John 1:9
I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
Luke 11:43–54
Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.
Mark 12:38–39
In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces,
Luke 14:7–11
When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable:
James 2:1–4
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.
Proverbs 25:6–7
Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;
Luke 20:46–47
“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.
Matthew 20:21
“What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.”
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.